Triumph Tiger completes Kanyakumari to Kashmir run

Adventure motorcycling has truly come of age in India. And summer is the time when riders from across the country head to the high passes of Ladakh – more specifically through the Manali-Leh highway – the most popular and famed highways across the barren terrain of the Himalayas.

Over the years, riders have ‘done Ladakh’ on an assortment of motorcycles – from Royal Enfields to smaller displacement Bajaj Pulsars, Hondas, and of late, even the KTM twins. For the serious adventure rider, however, there’s been a dearth of a real adventure motorcycle. And this is where British motorcycle brand Triumph’s adventure bike range come into the picture - in the form of the Tiger 800XC as well as the larger displacement Explorer.

And to make a point that these bikes are serious adventure tourers, Triumph Motorcycles India recently sent a solo rider on a Tiger 800XC from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, doing a loop around Manali, Leh and finally Srinagar. The journey spread over three months was divided into five legs – starting from Kanyakumari to Ooty, Ooty to Pune, Pune to Dasada, Dasada to Delhi and finally from Delhi all the way up to Srinagar via Leh. In all, the rider covered over 10,000 kilometres, travelling from the southern tip of India all the way up to the Himalayas.

“The Tiger 800XC not only has distinct looks but also a beautiful motor, adequate power and great touring ability to transverse our lovely country. This ride was an attempt to communicate to the people that Triumph has a motorcycle that is capable for those looking to tour the nation and also have a passion to ride,” said Vimal Sumbly, Managing Director, Triumph Motorcycles India Pvt Ltd.

With a crackling three-cylinder engine, rugged chassis and long suspension travel, the Tiger 800XC has just the right qualities to make it an all rounder – giving it toughness, everyday practicality and outstanding touring credentials.

And that is the point of this Kanyakumari to Kashmir ride – the Tiger 800XC is meant for mile munching, across the country and beyond. This is what Triumph wants to highlight with a 10,000 kilometre adventure like this. But at Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom Gurgaon), the Tiger 800XC is just too expensive for the average adventure rider.